Robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy in Graves' disease: a single-institution experience with surgical outcomes and...

Surgical management of Graves' disease presents unique challenges due to increased vascularity and gland inflammation. The robotic transaxillary approach offers a remote-access technique, avoiding an anterior cervical scar. This study evaluates the surgical outcomes and complications of robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy in patients with Graves' disease. A retrospective review was conducted on 74 patients who underwent robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy for Graves' disease at a single institution. Demographic data, operative details, and postoperative complications were analyzed. The study included 74 patients. Lobectomy was performed in 3 patients (4.1%), while the majority underwent total thyroidectomy. The overall transient hypocalcaemia rate was 13.5%, corresponding to 28.6% in the total thyroidectomy subgroup. Transient recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy occurred in 4 patients (5.41%). Postoperative hematoma or seroma occurred in 2 patients (2.70%). There were no permanent complications recorded in this cohort. Robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy is safe and feasible for the surgical management of Graves' disease. It provides outcomes within reported ranges for conventional approaches while avoiding an anterior cervical scar.